Pek Automotive D.O.O.
Slovenian manufacturer of low-voltage autonomous electric UGVs for agriculture, civil defence, and rescue, including the Slopehelper and Agilehelper robots.
Pek Automotive D.O.O. is a Slovenian company founded in 2019, headquartered in Logatec, Slovenia, and owned by Turkish Peker Holding, which has invested approximately €20 million in the venture. The company designs and manufactures low-voltage autonomous electric unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) for agriculture, civil defence, and rescue applications. Its flagship products are the Slopehelper and Agilehelper — zero-emission, GNSS-free electric robots designed for steep slopes, vineyards, orchards, and other challenging terrain, capable of replacing up to eight manual workers.
The company operates across four product lines: PeK Agroline (agricultural robotics), PeK Defence (autonomous vehicles for military and rescue), PeK Technologies (proprietary R-Wave EV platform), and PeK IT (Binu ERP manufacturing software). The company employs approximately 96 people, with planned expansion to 140. In 2026, PeK Defence was accepted into the NATO DIANA 2026 Challenge Programme among 150 companies chosen from 3,600 applicants.
The company operates at Obrtniška ulica 17, Logatec, Slovenia.
Primary type & automation activities this supplier delivers:
Slopehelper
Zero-emission, GNSS-free autonomous electric UGV for steep slopes, vineyards, and orchards, replacing up to eight manual workers.
Agilehelper
Compact zero-emission autonomous electric UGV for small plantations, vineyards, and row crops, enabling year-round robotic agro-cycle operation.
Contact Pek Automotive D.O.O.
WEBSITE
https://pekauto.com/PHONE
+386 30 777 050HEADQUARTERS
Slovenia
Company Facts
Founded
2019
Primary Role
Manufacturer
Company Size
-
Primary Region
Europe
Annual Sales
-
Funding Stage
-
Funding Total
-
Weather Conditions Influence Effectiveness of Andela Robot Weeder and Electro Weeder
In 2026, Marien and Joos Poppe utilized an Andela Robot Weeder and an Electro Weeder to manage weeds at Poppe Landbouw in Noordoostpolder. The effectiveness of these machines is contingent upon having sufficient workable days, as observed on July 24 when large weeds, primarily knotweed, were present in the onion fields. The integration of the Andela Robot Weeder and Electro Weeder highlights the importance of weather conditions in agricultural operations. While the robots perform their designated tasks efficiently, the opportunities for effective weed management are significantly influenced by environmental factors, such as the number of workable days available for operation. Looking ahead, the reliance on weather patterns will continue to shape the agricultural landscape, particularly in the context of robotic weed control. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Crop solutions Weed/Pest control electric weed control weed control
Kubota Introduces Autonomous M5 Narrow Diesel Tractor to Address Labor Shortages
Kubota unveiled the M5 Narrow diesel specialty tractor at CES 2026, showcasing its integrated autonomous capabilities designed for agriculture. This innovation is crucial as the agricultural sector faces a significant labor shortage, with the average farmer nearing 60 years old and over 40% of farmers aged 65 and older. The introduction of physical AI into heavy machinery is essential for maintaining productivity in challenging environments like vineyards and orchards, where precision is critical. The importance of this development lies in its potential to mitigate the impact of an aging workforce in agriculture and construction. As skilled operators retire, the need for intelligent machines that can operate autonomously becomes increasingly urgent. The agricultural sector, particularly in permanent crops, requires advanced technology to navigate complex environments and ensure efficient production. Looking ahead, the focus will be on how these autonomous machines can adapt to the unique challenges of various agricultural settings. With the labor gap becoming a structural issue rather than a cyclical one, the deployment of advanced autonomous solutions will be vital for the future of food production and infrastructure development.
Agriculture Artificial Intelligence Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) Construction Educational Opinion
U.S. Restores Arizona Border Crossing for Mexican Cattle Trade
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the reopening of the Arizona border crossing for the importation of Mexican cattle. This decision marks a significant step in facilitating trade and ensuring the supply of cattle from Mexico to the U.S. The reopening is crucial for the agricultural sector, as it allows for the resumption of cattle imports, which are vital for meeting domestic demand. The USDA's action reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen trade relations and support the livestock industry amid fluctuating market conditions. Looking ahead, the USDA plans to restore additional crossings along the borders of Chihuahua in New Mexico and Texas in a phased approach. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Improving Agricultural UAV Safety with a Binocular Stereo Vision System for Cable Detection
A recent study published in the Journal of Field Robotics introduces a binocular stereo vision system designed to enhance the safety of agricultural UAVs by detecting overhead cables. This innovative technology aims to prevent accidents during UAV operations in farming environments, where the presence of cables poses significant risks. The development of this system is crucial as it addresses the growing need for safer UAV operations in agriculture, where the integration of drones is becoming increasingly common. By effectively detecting cables, the system can help reduce the likelihood of collisions, thereby protecting both the UAV and the surrounding infrastructure. Looking ahead, the adoption of this binocular stereo vision system could lead to broader applications in UAV safety across various industries. As UAV technology continues to evolve, monitoring advancements in safety systems will be essential for ensuring the reliability and effectiveness of drone operations in complex environments. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Innovative Instance Segmentation Method for Navigation Line Extraction in Paddy-Field Weeding Robots
A novel approach utilizing instance segmentation for navigation line extraction has been developed for paddy-field weeding robots. This method enhances the robot's ability to navigate effectively in agricultural environments, improving efficiency in weed management. The significance of this advancement lies in its potential to optimize agricultural practices by enabling robots to perform precise weeding tasks. By employing advanced segmentation techniques, the weeding robots can better identify and navigate around crops, thereby minimizing damage and maximizing yield. Looking ahead, the agricultural robotics sector may see increased adoption of such technologies, which could lead to more autonomous solutions in farming. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Robotic Lawn Mowers Poised for Widespread Adoption in American Households
Robotic lawn mowers are transitioning from niche products to mainstream solutions due to advancements in AI, satellite navigation, and autonomy. These technologies are enabling robotic mowers to effectively manage larger and more complex lawns, which has historically limited their adoption. As a result, the U.S. market for robotic lawn mowers is projected to reach nearly 50% household penetration within the next eight years, reflecting a significant shift in consumer confidence and technological capability. The global lawn mower market is expected to grow from $35.2 million in 2025 to $63.2 million by 2033, driven by innovations in autonomous outdoor technologies. This growth indicates a broader acceptance of robotic solutions for lawn maintenance, akin to the transformative impact of smartphones in their respective markets. The integration of AI and satellite navigation allows robotic mowers to adapt to their environments, optimize mowing patterns, and avoid obstacles with minimal human intervention. As these technologies continue to evolve, homeowners can expect reduced installation and supervision time, making robotic mowers more appealing. The ongoing improvements in navigation algorithms and real-time decision-making capabilities are set to enhance user experience further, positioning robotic lawn mowers as a viable option for diverse outdoor spaces across North America. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Artificial Intelligence Cameras / Imaging / Vision Mobility / Navigation Networking / Connectivity News Opinion
DJI Announces Winners of Global AI Drone Challenge Focused on Real-Time Decision Making
DJI has revealed the winners of its DJI Enterprise Drone Onboard AI Challenge 2026, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of enterprise drones. The competition encourages the development of AI models that enable drones to make real-time decisions, addressing various applications such as crop counting, bridge inspections, and pollution detection. This initiative is significant as it seeks to reduce the time required for data processing after drone flights, allowing for immediate insights that can be crucial in sectors like agriculture and emergency response. By enabling AI models to operate onboard, DJI aims to streamline workflows and enhance the practical value of drone technology across multiple industries. Looking ahead, the focus will be on how these innovative AI solutions can be integrated into existing workflows. The success of projects like AgroCount AI, which automates crop counting, highlights the potential for edge AI to transform agricultural practices and other fields. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
News
Agtonomy Enhances Autonomy Stack with Multi-Point Turning and Data Collection Features
Agtonomy has introduced two significant updates to its autonomy stack, including a new autonomous multi-point turning capability and enhanced passive data collection across its fleet. This multi-point turning feature enables Agtonomy-enabled units to perform complex reversing maneuvers without human intervention, addressing challenges in tight headlands that have previously limited autonomous tractor usage. The importance of these updates lies in their potential to improve operational efficiency in various agricultural sectors, including vineyards, orchards, and crop management. By generating over two terabytes of data per hour from each vehicle, Agtonomy aims to leverage this data for faster system iterations and to provide valuable insights to agronomy and analytics partners, ultimately enhancing fleet optimization and operational analytics. Looking ahead, Agtonomy's platform now supports over 500 implements, with partnerships with OEMs like Kubota and Bobcat expanding its capabilities. The company emphasizes the need for autonomous fleets that not only operate effectively but also evolve over time to meet the practical challenges faced by growers. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Autonomous/semi-autosteering systems autonomous system autonomy
FCC Proposes New Rules for Drone Manufacturers on Software and Hardware Disclosure
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has initiated a rulemaking process that may require drone manufacturers to disclose comprehensive details about their hardware and software. This proposal, published on August 7, is part of the FCC's Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and aims to enhance transparency in the commercial drone industry. This rulemaking is significant as it could reshape the regulatory landscape for drone manufacturers, particularly through the proposed Hardware Bill of Materials (HBOM) and Software Bill of Materials (SBOM). Will Dawson from the Agricultural Drone Initiative emphasized that these requirements could be pivotal, as they would mandate certification applicants to provide detailed information about each component's producer and production location, potentially impacting supply chains and security protocols. As the FCC seeks public comment on these proposals, the industry should monitor the developments closely. The implications of the HBOM and SBOM requirements could lead to stricter certification processes and influence how drone manufacturers manage their supply chains. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Agriculture Applications Drone News Drone News Feeds Feature 1 News
IIF Expands Farm Investment Platform Across Canada with Support from Verdex Capital
IIF, an Australian investment platform, is set to launch its services across Canada following a new funding round led by Verdex Capital. This marks Verdex as IIF's first Canadian investor, enhancing the platform's ability to connect farmers and consumers nationwide. The significance of this expansion lies in IIF's unique approach, allowing everyday individuals to invest in various agricultural assets without owning a farm. This model not only provides liquidity and risk management for farmers but also helps them access alternative capital sources beyond traditional agricultural lending, as noted by Verdex CEO Collin Phillip. Looking ahead, IIF's platform could play a crucial role in supporting Canadian farmers, particularly in light of challenges posed by climate change and economic pressures. The ability to secure investments may enable farmers to adopt innovative technologies and practices, ultimately enhancing productivity and sustainability in the agricultural sector. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Agtech FoodTech Investing Startups & funding US & Canada
